Track slot fastener

ABSTRACT

A slidably retainable fastener assembly for securing loads to a track is provided with a retainer adapted to fit at least partly within a track slot and a member operating on the retainer, the member being positionable in at least a first position and a second position. When the member is positioned in the first position, the member causes the retainer to disengage the track slot thereby allowing the fastener to be movable within the track slot, and when the member is positioned in the second position, the member causes the retainer to engage the track slot thereby causing the fastener to remain stationary within the track slot.

CORRESPONDING RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a divisional of U.S. application Ser. No.10/336,033, filed on Jan. 2, 2003 and now U.S. Pat. No. 6,827,531. Thepresent application is related to U.S. application Ser. No. 09/874,979,filed on Jun. 7, 2001 and now U.S. Pat. No. 6,846,140, and U.S. Pat. No.6,712,568, issued on Mar. 30, 2004, to Mark D. Snyder et al., all ofwhich are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to fasteners for securing loadsto a track, and more particularly, to adjustable fasteners for securingloads to a track mounted in or near a truck bed.

2. Background of the Invention

Fasteners for securing loads to framing, tracks, and channels have beencommercially available for some time. Some conventional fasteners usedin automotive track applications will be briefly described below.

Conventional track fasteners have been designed to be removable and/orrelocateable along a track slot length. Many of these conventional trackfasteners employ a rotatable locking base portion that engages lockingteeth inside the track slot or on a locking mechanism to securely retainthe fastener within the track slot, and to facilitate relocation alongthe track slot length. These devices, however, can be difficult toinstall and use, which detracts from their desirability in consumerenvironments such as original equipment manufactured (OEM) vehicles(e.g., pickup trucks, mini-vans, sport-utility vehicles (SUV) etc.).Often, conventional track fasteners can only be loaded from an end ofthe track slot (i.e., their design does not facilitate top downloading), and are thus difficult to replace if broken. Also problematic,many of these fasteners have limited load capacities, such as fastenersavailable on roof racks, and are thus unsuitable for applications suchas truck beds and cargo shipping where heavier loads are placed.

Other conventional track fasteners (e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,410,298,4,784,552, and Re. 36,681, which are incorporated by reference herein intheir entirety) have been designed with a center through bolt to applypressure between a top plate mounted above the track slot and a baseplate mounted within the track slot. The bolt can be tightened to“clamp” the fastener in place, thereby securely retaining the fastenerwithin the track slot, or loosened to facilitate relocation along thetrack slot length. Clamp styled fasteners are often used to temporarilyattach rails to the top side of a truck bed for tonneau covers and thelike, and are generally relocatable along the length of the track slot.These devices, however, often require a user to have a wrench toloosen/tighten the bolt, which detracts from their ease of use.

Some conventional track fasteners have a track slot with predeterminedfastening locations. See, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,850,769, which isincorporated by reference herein in its entirety. In one such device,predetermined fastening locations are set at enlarged openings in a topsurface of the track in which a movable car “drops into” to retain themovable car in that particular position. The car may include a springbiased vertically movable latch to releasably engage the openings. Thesedevices, however, are limited to the specific predetermined fasteninglocations, which reduces their utility for many applications. Moreover,as with other conventional track fasteners, these devices typicallyrequire the car to be loaded into the track slot from one end of thetrack slot, making it substantially more difficult to repair or replacea given fastener.

Thus, a need exists for an improved track slot fastening device.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to overcoming or at least reducing theeffects of one or more of the problems set forth above and otherproblems in the prior art.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, a fastenerassembly for securing loads to a track is provided, the fastenerassembly being slidably retainable within a track slot of the track. Thefastener assembly comprises a retainer adapted to fit at least partlywithin the track slot, a cam member operating on the retainer, the cammember being positionable in at least a first position and a secondposition, and a pressure plate positioned above the track and below thecam member, the pressure plate applying a pressure on a top surface ofthe track in response to the position of the cam member. When the cammember is positioned in the first position, the cam member causes theretainer to disengage the track slot thereby allowing the fastener to bemovable within the track slot, and when the cam member is positioned inthe second position, the cam member causes the retainer to engage thetrack slot thereby causing the fastener to remain stationary within thetrack slot.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, a slidablefastening device for securing an object to a track is provided, thefastening device being slidable along a track slot of the track. Theslidable fastening device comprises a base portion positionable at leastpartly within the track slot, the base portion being horizontallydisplaceable along the track slot and vertically displaceable in adirection substantially perpendicular to a top surface of the trackslot, a pressure plate positioned above the base portion for applying apressure to the top surface of the track slot, and a pivotable actuatorfor selectably applying a force on the pressure plate thereby verticallydisplacing the base portion between an engagement position and areleased position, the engagement position fixing the position of thefastening device within the track slot, and the released positionallowing slidable displacement along the track slot.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, a method ofsecuring an object to a track including a track slot is provided,comprising pivoting a cam member to a retain position, verticallydisplacing a retainer positioned within the track slot in response tomotion of the cam member, applying a substantially uniform force acrossa top surface of the track slot opposite to the retainer, and engagingthe retainer with an inner surface of the track slot.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, a fastenerassembly for securing loads to a track is provided, the fastenerassembly being slidably retainable within a track slot of the track. Thefastener assembly comprises a retainer including a base portion adaptedto fit at least partly within the track slot, and a ratchet lock forlocking the retainer to the track slot.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, a method ofsecuring an object to a track including a track slot is provided,comprising rotating a ratchet lock, vertically displacing a memberpositioned within the track slot in response to rotating the ratchetlock, and locking a retainer to the track slot via the verticallydisplaced member.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, a fastenerassembly for securing loads to a track is provided, the fastenerassembly being slidably retainable within a track slot of the track. Thefastener assembly comprises a retainer adapted to fit at least partlywithin the track slot, and a pin lock operating on the retainer, the pinlock being positionable in at least a first position and a secondposition. When the pin lock is positioned in the first position, the pinlock causes the retainer to disengage the track slot thereby allowingthe fastener assembly to be movable within the track slot, and when thepin lock is positioned in the second position, the pin lock causes theretainer to engage the track slot thereby causing the fastener assemblyto remain stationary within the track slot.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, a fastenerassembly for securing loads to a track is provided, the fastenerassembly being slidably retainable within a track slot of the track. Thefastener assembly comprises means for locking a retainer to the trackslot in a locked position, means for selectably releasing the retainerfrom the locked position, and means for securing the load to theretainer.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, a fastenerassembly for securing loads to a track is provided, the fastenerassembly being slidably retainable within a track slot of the track. Thefastener assembly comprises a retainer adapted to fit at least partlywithin the track slot, a rotatable handle operating on the retainer, therotatable handle being rotatable between at least an engagement positionand a release position, and a pressure applicator positioned above thetrack and below the rotatable handle, the pressure applicator applying apressure on a top surface of the track in response to the position ofthe rotatable handle.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, a method ofsecuring an object to a track including a track slot is provided,comprising rotating a rotatable handle thereby vertically displacing therotatable handle relative to a pressure applicator positioned above thetrack, and vertically displacing a retainer positioned within the trackslot between an engagement position and a release position relative tothe vertical displacement of the pressure applicator.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, a slidablyretainable fastener assembly for securing loads to a track is provided,comprising a retainer adapted to fit at least partly within a track slotof the track, and a cam member operating on the retainer, the cam memberbeing positionable in at least a first position and a second position.When the cam member is positioned in the first position, the cam membercauses the retainer to disengage the track slot thereby allowing thefastener to be movable within the track slot, and when the cam member ispositioned in the second position, the cam member causes the retainer toengage the track slot thereby causing the fastener to remain stationarywithin the track slot.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing advantages and features of the invention will becomeapparent upon reference to the following detailed description and theaccompanying drawings, of which:

FIG. 1 is a sectional view of a fastener assembly according to anembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the fastener assembly of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a sectional view of a fastener assembly according to anotherembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a retainer with a threaded shaftaccording to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 5A–5G are views of a ratchet lock according to an embodiment ofthe present invention.

FIG. 6 is a sectional view of another fastener assembly according to anembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a sectional view of the fastener assembly of FIG. 6 in alocked position according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a sectional view of the fastener assembly of FIG. 6 in areleased position according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a drawing of a pin lock configuration according to anembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the fastener assembly of FIG. 6 in areleased position according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the fastener assembly of FIG. 6 in anengagement position according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a variation on the fastener assembly ofFIG. 6 in a released position according to an embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 13 is a sectional view of a fastener assembly with ramped or angledportions according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a partial sectional view of the fastener assembly of FIG. 13along plane XIV—XIV according to an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Reference will now be made in detail to presently preferred embodimentsof the invention. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will beused throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts.

The following description of the present invention will describeimplementations of the present invention in reference to a track slotused in a truck bed. One such implementation is described in copendingU.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/874,979 filed Jun. 7, 2001, byMichael D. Anderson et al., which is incorporated by reference herein inits entirety. Additional improvements and variations are described inthe aforementioned corresponding related applications. Otherimplementations are also contemplated, as would be readily apparent toone of ordinary skill in the art after reading this disclosure.

It should be appreciated that the term “track slot” as used in thepresent application refers to the entire internal volume of the track.Hence, “track slot” includes the space substantially between two upperinwardly protruding portions at the top of the track, and the volumeunderneath the protruding portions to a bottom surface of the track. Itshould also be appreciated that the term “load” as used in the presentapplication refers to a force applied to a fastener assembly by anobject secured thereto. This “load” may include, for example, ahorizontal force acting substantially along a plane of a vehicle body, avertical force acting upwards and away from the aforementioned plane ofthe vehicle body, or a combination of the two.

A fastener assembly 100 retainable within a track slot according to anembodiment of the present invention is shown in the sectional view ofFIG. 1, and the exploded view of FIG. 2. As shown, track 110 issubstantially C shaped, with two inward projecting extensions 112. Thetwo extensions 112 include abscesses 114 which are preferably smooth,but can be serrated if desired.

A pressure plate 140 (e.g., a pressure applicator) is shown positionedabove the track 110, applying a substantially uniform pressure on a topsurface of the track 110. Preferably, pressure plate 140 is flanged atopposite lateral ends, such that the flanged portions properly seat thepressure plate 140 on the top surface of the track 110.

A belleville washer 190 (i.e., one type of spring) positioned adjacentto pressure plate 140 is shown in a decompressed configuration in FIG.2, and a compressed configuration in FIG. 1. A washer 150 is shownpositioned between belleville washer 190 and a handle 170. Preferably,washer 150 has a diameter substantially equal to the compressed diameterof belleville washer 190. Handle 170 is coupled with a retainer 130 atend A (represented by separable bolt 120) of shaft B; the shaft Bincluding at one end C at least one of an eyelet 180, a hook, a ring, acarabiner, a clamp, a clasp, or other suitable tie down or attachmentconnection. As shown, the shaft B may comprise a bolt 120 or othersuitable coupler.

Positioned within the track slot is retainer 130. Preferably, retainer130 has a width substantially equal to the inner width of the track slotsuch that retainer 130 substantially conforms to an inner width of thetrack slot. Also, retainer 130 is preferably configured so as to have asize and shape that allows for top down loading (i.e., in a directionsubstantially perpendicular to the top surface of track 110) into thetrack 110. More specifically, retainer 130 is configured to haveangled/cut corners on diagonally opposite edges such that the retainer130 can be rotated about 90° once it is placed within the track 110.

As shown best in FIG. 2, retainer 130 preferably includes channelportions 134 for engaging ribs 116 of abscesses 114. Furthermore,retainer 130 also may include serrated edges 132 outside of the channelportions 134 for engaging abscesses 114 of the track 110. Preferably,the retainer 130 is made of aluminum or steel, preferably cold headed orforged. Such a material is selected such that the retainer 130 has ahigh strength and durability, and is resistant to corrosion. Theoperation of the fitting assembly will now, be described in detailbelow.

As shown in FIG. 1, the fitting assembly is configured in an engagementposition, where serrated edges 132 of retainer 130 engage abscesses 114of track 110. A slight gap is present between the bottom of bolt 120 andthe bottom surface of track 110. Serrated edges 132 help to fix thefitting assembly securely in place along the track 110 when engagingabscesses 114 of track 110.

To release the fitting assembly, the handle 170 is pivoted about a pin160 to a disengagement position, preferably about 180° with respect tothe engagement position shown in FIG. 1. During pivoting, an integratedcam surface 172 of handle 170 releases the force on washer 150 whichdecompresses belleville washer 190 from pressure plate 140, therebyvertically displacing retainer 130. Serrated edges 132 of retainer 130then disengage abscesses 114 of track 110, allowing the fitting assemblyto slide freely along the track 110.

It should be appreciated that the holes in handle 170 (see FIG. 2) arepreferably off center (i.e., closer to the top), such that when thehandle 170 is pressed down, the retainer 130 is lifted and tightenedinto the engagement position, and when the handle 170 is lifted, theretainer 130 loosens. Hence, this configuration causes the abovedescribed engagement and disengagement operation.

The above described fastener assembly is particularly advantageous overconventional approaches, as it is relatively easy to use and inexpensiveto manufacture. Belleville washer 190 and the shape of cam surface 172also provide for automatic locking of the handle 170 in a givenposition, which improves the ease of use. Moreover, the above describedfastener assembly requires no tools to relocate it along the track, andcan be relocated to any position along the track (i.e., not just atpredetermined fastening locations). Also, the invention eliminates anyuncertainty as to whether the fastener is tightened too much or toolittle. Thus, the present invention provides substantial improvementsover conventional fasteners.

A fastener assembly retainable within a track slot according to anotherembodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. 3, with partsthereof depicted in greater detail in FIGS. 4 and 5A–5G. The fastenerassembly 200 according to this second embodiment comprises a cleat 210including a base portion 220 adapted to fit within the track slot 110(preferably in such a way as to provide for top-down loading). The cleat210 is locked to the track slot 110 (i.e., in an engagement position)via ratchet lock 240. It should be appreciated that the cleat 210 refersto any slidable member adapted to fit within the track slot 110. Itshould also be appreciated that the term “ratchet” refers to a devicethat is tightened as it rotates until a predetermined amount of torqueis attained, and then spins freely, re-releases, locks, or indicates insome manner that the required fastening torque has been attained.

Hence, the ratchet lock 240 is preferably configured to limit themaximum fastening torque applied to the ratchet lock 240 to preventdamage to the track 110 and/or the fastener assembly 200 from overtightening. Furthermore, the ratchet lock 240 is also configured to seta minimum fastening torque applied to the ratchet lock 240 to preventundertightening of the fastener assembly 200. In operation, the ratchetlock will “click” when an appropriate torque is attained, similar to agas cap being screwed on after refueling. As will be set forth ingreater detail below, one such ratchet lock 240 is shown in the views ofFIGS. 5A–5G.

The ratchet lock 240 preferably comprises a rotatable base portion 242(e.g., a header) coupled to a retainer 250 via a threaded shaft 260 (seeFIG. 4). The rotatable base portion 242 is configured to thread onto theshaft 260 to raise/lower the retainer 250. According to one aspect ofthe present invention, the rotatable base portion 242 includes a hex nut(not shown) placed in the center portion of the rotatable base portion242. Alternatively, the rotatable base portion 242 may be drilled andthreaded to directly thread onto the shaft 260.

As shown in FIGS. 5A–5G, the base portion 242 can be formed with one ormore torque cantilevers 244, preferably a plurality of torquecantilevers 244 extending all the way around a vertical surface of therotatable base portion 242. As shown best in FIG. 5E, the torquecantilevers 244 engage corresponding notched portions 233 formed on aninner surface of rotatable top 243. The torque cantilevers 244 “spin”when a fastening torque greater than a predetermined maximum is appliedto the ratchet lock 240, or when the rotatable top 243 is rotated in acounterclockwise direction. When the rotatable top 243 is rotated in aclockwise direction, the torque cantilevers 244 ratchet engage thenotched portions 233 formed on the inner surface of rotatable top 243,thereby rotating the rotatable base portion 242 on the shaft 260,thereby vertically displacing the retainer 250 within the track slot110. The vertical displacement of retainer 250 locks the cleat 210 tothe track slot 110 (i.e., an engagement position), or releases the cleat210 from the track slot 110 (i.e., a disengagement position).

As shown best in FIG. 5F (an enlargement of the bottom left corner ofFIG. 5G), the rotatable base portion 242 is preferably rotatably fixedrelative to the rotatable top 243 by a protrusion 259 extending withinthe groove 257 formed along an exterior surface of the rotatable top243. As shown in FIG. 5B, preferably four protrusions 259 are formed,though the number and spacing along rotatable base portion 242 may vary.Other attachment schemes are also within the scope of this invention, aswould be readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art afterreading this disclosure.

As shown in FIG. 3, the fastener assembly 200 also includes a tie down230 for securing loads to the fastener assembly 200. Preferably, the tiedown 230 is substantially arc shaped as shown. However, it should beappreciated that the tie down 230 may be configured as an eyelet, ahook, a ring, a carabiner, a clamp, a clasp, or other suitable tie downor attachment connection. In the substantially arc shaped configurationshown, the rotatable base portion 242 of ratchet lock 240 is positionedbetween the arc shaped tie down 230 and the base portion 220 of cleat210.

In addition to the aforementioned benefits of previously describedembodiment(s) of the present invention, the fastener assembly 200 of thepresent invention provides for a cosmetically appealing fastener bypartially hiding the ratchet lock 240 via the arc shaped tie down 230.Furthermore, the “spin” torque cantilevers 244 help prevent overtightening of the ratchet lock 240 and indicate to the user that thefastener assembly 200 is fully tightened (e.g., by generating audibleclicking sounds when the fastener assembly 200 is sufficiently tight),thereby reducing any chance of damaging the fastener assembly 200 ortrack 110 due to over tightening. Hence, the fastener assembly 200provides for substantial improvements over existing fasteners.

A fastener assembly retainable within a track slot according to anotherembodiment of the present invention is shown in FIGS. 6–12. The fastenerassembly 300 according to this third embodiment comprises a retainer 330adapted to fit within the track 110. Similar to the first embodiment,the retainer 330 is vertically displaceable within the track 110, suchthat it engages abscesses of the track 110 to secure the fastenerassembly 300 to the track 110. Retainer 330 is preferably configured soas to have a size and shape that allows for top down loading (i.e., in adirection substantially perpendicular to the top surface of track 110)into the track slot.

According to this third embodiment, the fastener assembly 300 includes apin lock 305 operating on the retainer 330, the pin lock 305 beingoperable in a released/disengagement position (FIGS. 6, 8, 10, 12), andin a locked/engagement position (FIGS. 7, 11). The pin lock 305 includesa first pin 360 coupled to the retainer 330 via shaft 320 and linked toa second pin 370 via a first locking arm 390. A welded base portion 350(e.g., a lockplate) or the like may be used to couple the shaft 320 tothe retainer 330 depending on the particular implementation. The pinlock 305 further includes a third pin 380 coupled to the handleoperating on the pin lock 305 and linked to the second pin 370 via asecond locking arm 395. Second locking arm 395 is preferably an integralpart of the handle 312 (FIGS. 10, 11) but is described as a separate armfor illustration purposes.

The operation of the pin lock 305 will now be described in reference toFIG. 9. For purposes of explanation, both the “released” position (i.e.,Φ about 40°) and the “locked” position (i.e., θ about 10°) are depictedin FIG. 9. Preferably, first locking arm 390 has a length L₁ of about 14mm, and second locking arm has a length L₂ of about 9 mm. It should beappreciated that L₁+L₂≅M₁, the maximum length of the locking arms 390and 395 in combination.

Assuming the third pin 380 remains substantially in the same location inthe released position and in the locked position, the first pin 360 islocated at a distance M₃ from one end of the maximum length M₁ when inthe locked position. The first pin 360 is vertically displaceable withinthe fastener assembly 300 to displace the retainer 330 between thelocked position and the released position Similarly, in the releasedposition, the first pin 360 is located at a distance M₂ from one end ofthe maximum length M₁. In operation, the first pin 360 and the third pin380 are aligned along a locking axis 302 substantially bisecting thefirst pin 360 and the third pin 380 when the pin lock 305 is positionedin the locked position. Furthermore, the first pin 360 and the third pin380 are aligned along a released axis 304 substantially bisecting thefirst pin 360 and the third pin 380 when the pin lock 305 is positionedin the released position.

This configuration provides for vertical displacement of the retainer330 coupled to the vertically displaced first pin 360, and a secure“lock” of the retainer 330 to the track 110 when the pin lock 305 is inthe locked position. It should be appreciated that Φ must be largeenough to provide sufficient travel to take up the entire releaseclearance. This provides for a simple locking mechanism to lock thefastener assembly 300 to the track 110, and also provides for an easyrelease to allow the fastener assembly 300 to be slid along track 110 toanother position. Hence, in addition to various advantages of theaforementioned embodiments of the present invention, this configurationalso provides for many improvements over conventional fasteners.

For loading purposes, the fastener assembly 300 may be provided withspring 321, first loading projection 322, second loading projection 333,and running surface 334 as shown best in FIG. 12. To load the fastenerassembly 300, the fastener assembly 300 is placed on top of a track 110rotated 90° about a vertical axis therefrom with respect to theoperational position shown in FIGS. 10 and 11. The second loadingprojection 333 is configured to have a length greater than a width ofthe slot of the track 110, such that the second loading projection 333rests on a top surface of the track 110 in a loading position.

The first loading projection 322 operates with the spring 321 to force agap between a top surface of the retainer 330 and a bottom surface ofthe second loading projection 333. This gap is designed to be largeenough such that the retainer 330 can be rotated 90° within the track110 once the fastener assembly 300 is placed in the loading position.The entire fastener assembly 300 is then rotated 90° to the operationposition shown in FIGS. 10 and 11. The second loading projection 333 isthus configured to have a width smaller than a width of the slot of thetrack 110, such that the second loading projection 333 rests within thetrack 110 in the operational position, and the running surface 334 isconfigured to rest on a top surface of the track 110 in the operationalposition as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11. Once in the operational position,the fastener assembly 300 can be used as indicated above.

A fastener assembly retainable within a track slot according to anotherembodiment of the present invention is shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, with aportion cut along plane XIV—XIV shown in greater detail in FIG. 14. Thefastener assembly 400 according to this embodiment includes a rotatablehandle 410 (e.g., a thumb-wheel) within an outer tie down 411 forsecuring loads to the fastener assembly 400. The rotatable handle 410operates retainer 450 via shaft 420. A spring 430 is provided in a spacebetween the rotatable handle 410 and pressure plate 440, such that thespring 430 applies a vertical force on the pin 443 with respect to thepressure plate 440.

To operate the fastener assembly 400, the rotatable handle 410 includesan angled running surface 445 interfacing pin 443. As the rotatablehandle 410 is rotated between a locked position and a released position,the angled running surface 445 vertically displaces the pin 443 coupledto the retainer 450 with respect to the pressure plate 440. Therotatable handle 410 cannot be vertically displaced beyond a maximumamount due to intersecting the outer tie down 411, thus the rotatablehandle 410 vertically displaces the pin 443 via the angled surface 445,which similarly displaces retainer 450 via shaft 420, thereby locking orunlocking the fastener assembly 400 from the track slot 110.

The interface between the angled running surface 445 and the pin 443 canbe designed to prevent overtightening of the fastener assembly 400 andto default to a tightened condition when “partial” tightening occurs. Byway of example, the angled running surface may include a notch (notshown) for receiving the pin 443 at a loosened state near a “top” of theangled running surface 445. If an operator only partially loosens thefastener assembly 400, thereby not reaching the notch, the spring 430forces the pin 443 to slide down the angled running surface 445 backinto a tightened/engaged position. To prevent overtightening, the spring430 is configured to apply the maximum retention force on the retainer450 when the pin 443 is at the “bottom” of the angled running surface445. Hence, both overtightening prevention and default engagement can beachieved.

It should be appreciated that various aspects of the aforementionedembodiments may be combined and/or modified amongst the variousembodiments of the present invention. Thus, for example, the secondand/or third embodiments may be provided with channel portions 134 forengaging ribs 116 of abscesses 114, and/or serrated edges 132 outside ofthe channel portions 134 for engaging abscesses 114 of the track 110.Furthermore, the second and/or third embodiments may be configured toallow for top down loading into the track 110, to make it easier toreplace or add fasteners. Other variations are also possible, as wouldbe readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art after readingthis disclosure.

The foregoing description of preferred embodiments of the invention hasbeen presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is notintended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise formdisclosed, and modifications and variations are possible in light of theabove teachings or may be acquired from practice of the invention. Theembodiments were chosen and described in order to explain the principlesof the invention and its practical application to enable one skilled inthe art to utilize the invention in various embodiments and with variousmodifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It isintended that the scope of the invention be defined with reference tothe claims appended hereto, and their equivalents.

1. A tie-down fitting for a track system for a vehicle, comprising: aretainer adapted to engage a portion of the track system; a rotatablehandle threadably coupled to the retainer; and a main body including afirst aperture configured to contain the rotatable handle and having aheight substantially the same as a height of the rotatable handle; and asecond aperture configured as a tie-down point.
 2. A tie-down fitting asset forth in claim 1, wherein the rotatable handle is disposed in thefirst aperture such that vertical movement of the rotatable handle islimited.
 3. A tie-down fitting as set forth in claim 1, furthercomprising at least one projection extendable into a track slot toposition the fitting with respect to the track slot.
 4. A tie-downfitting as set forth in claim 1, further comprising at least onetie-down catch extending from the main body in a direction substantiallyalong a direction of a track of the track system.
 5. A tie-down fittingas set forth in claim 4, further comprising a second tie-down catchextending from the main body in a direction substantially along thedirection of the track of the track system.
 6. A tie-down fitting as setforth in claim 1, wherein the main body has a generally D-shaped crosssection.
 7. A tie-down fitting as set forth in claim 1, wherein thefitting is configured for top-down loading.
 8. A tie-down fitting as setforth in claim 1, wherein the fitting is configured to be top-downloaded into a track of the track system and then turned 90°.
 9. Atie-down fitting as set forth in claim 6, wherein the generally D-shapedcross section comprises a generally flat base portion having first andsecond ends and an arcuate upper portion interconnecting the first andsecond ends.
 10. A tie-down fitting as set forth in claim 1, furthercomprising a spring to urge the retainer toward the main body and intoengagement with a track of the track system.
 11. A tie-down fitting asset forth in claim 5, wherein the main body and the catches have a cleatshape.
 12. A tie-down fitting as set forth in claim 1, wherein adiameter of the rotatable handle is larger than a width of the mainbody.
 13. A truck bed comprising: a track; and a tie-down fitting as setforth in claim 1.